After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked United Shippers, Inc. as the best Illinois trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider United Shippers, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Illinois
Why Trust FreightWaves?
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Illinois. Every Illinois trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
United Shippers, Inc.
3000 W 36 Th St, Chicago, IL, 60632- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
United Shippers, Inc. (DOT: 3352333) is a reputable trucking company based in Illinois. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including regional, local, and over-the-road driving. Their experienced drivers handle diverse cargo types such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, paper products, and more. Their fleet includes both dry van and reefer trucks, ensuring flexibility to meet varied shipping needs.
United Shippers, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments, offering team drivers, flatbed services, less-than-truckload (LTL), and full truckload (FTL) options. They also ensure guaranteed home time for their drivers, and offer benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with paid time off and retirement plans. With a strong safety record and a focus on ongoing training and driver development, United Shippers, Inc. stands out as a reliable choice for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Miles driven: 2,697,196
Prima Express, Inc.
2221 Maple Rd, Joliet, IL, 60432- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Prima Express, Inc. (DOT: 1313194) is a versatile trucking company rooted in Illinois, offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to various shipping needs. Established with a fleet size boasting 162 trucks and 324 trailers, Prima Express specializes in transporting general freight, beverages, building materials, paper products, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company is adept at handling both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, emphasizing efficient and reliable service.
Prima Express supports commercial shipments with various partially loaded and local delivery options, ensuring flexible solutions for diverse freight requirements. Additionally, the company provides essential perks for its drivers, including dental and life insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off, demonstrating its commitment to employee welfare. With a satisfactory safety rating and a robust operational framework, Prima Express stands as a dependable choice for businesses looking to ship their products securely and punctually.
Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 4.22
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.82
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.08
- Controlled substances: 0.06
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 145
- Revenue: $518,000
- Miles driven: 12,700,000
Yunak Corp
1320 S 6 Th Ave, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Yunak Corp (DOT: 2334371) operates an actively engaged freight trucking service in Illinois with a fleet of 24 trucks. Specializing in general freight, they handle a wide range of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, dry bulk commodities, building materials, grain, feed, hay, household goods, logs, metal sheets, paper products, and U.S. mail. Founded in Illinois, they are known for their versatile services in carrying various types of cargo safely and efficiently.
Yunak Corp offers significant support for commercial shippers, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in logistics. Moreover, they provide safety bonuses, guaranteed home time for drivers, paid time off, health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a retirement plan. Their fleet, which includes flatbeds and dry vans, is relatively new with an average age of three years, underscoring their commitment to reliability and business success.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.34
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Miles driven: 1,178,000
Silver Arrow Express
3814 11 Th Street, Rockford, IL, 61109- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Silver Arrow Express (DOT: 2289209) is a reputable trucking company operating in Illinois, known for its specialization in transporting a diverse range of cargo since its inception. The company handles various types of shipments, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, liquids, gases, logs, metal sheets and coils, paper products, and general freight. With a fleet consisting of 109 vehicles, Silver Arrow Express is well-equipped to manage full and partial truckloads, offering services such as flatbed, dry van, reefer, and less-than-truckload transportation.
Business owners can benefit from Silver Arrow Express’s commitment to driver safety and well-being, reflected in their provision of direct deposit, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company also supports local, regional, and over-the-road driving assignments, ensuring flexibility and a dedicated approach to commercial shipments. With notable ratings from platforms such as Yelp and Google, Silver Arrow Express stands out as a reliable choice for shipping products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 3.0
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 109
- Miles driven: 4,083,555
B & M Transport Company
2245 Elmwood Avenue Apt 2, Berwyn, IL, 60402- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
B & M Transport Company (DOT: 1332761) operates in Illinois with a commendable reputation in the transportation industry. This company has a robust operation with a fleet that includes dry vans, flatbeds, and reefer trucks, demonstrating their capacity to handle diverse cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, machinery, and paper products. Their services ensure the shipping of refrigerated foods, intermodal containers, and general freight, showcasing a versatile approach to meeting customer needs.
B & M Transport supports commercial shipments with offerings like last-mile delivery and partial truckload services, ensuring that businesses can rely on them for both large and small shipping needs. They provide additional benefits such as guaranteed home time for drivers, paid time off, sign-on bonuses, and various insurance coverages, reflecting their commitment to employee satisfaction and reliability. Business owners seeking a dependable and comprehensive shipping solution will find B & M Transport a suitable choice.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 40,000
Giza Trucking, Inc.
2140 Fulham Dr, Naperville, IL, 60564- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Giza Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2642806) is a growing force in the trucking industry, having commenced operations in 2021 in Illinois. Specializing in the transportation of various cargo types, the company handles beverages, building materials, fresh produce, garbage/refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, meat, paper products, refrigerated food, and U.S. mail. Their reliable fleet consists of 45 trucks, all dedicated to ensuring timely and safe deliveries across interstate routes.
Giza Trucking, Inc. stands out with its strong focus on providing comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. They pride themselves on guaranteed home time for drivers, coupled with robust health, dental, and vision insurance packages. Additionally, the company offers life insurance and a retirement plan (401k), underscoring their commitment to employee welfare. Business owners can trust Giza Trucking to manage their freight needs with professionalism and efficiency.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 7.37
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.07
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $11,482,000
- Miles driven: 2,250,000
AGX Carriers
18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
AGX Carriers (DOT: 1755933) is an actively operating freight trucking company based in Illinois. With a fleet of 47 trucks and a dedicated team of 43 drivers, they manage an array of cargo that includes agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, metal sheets, oilfield equipment, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
AGX Carriers provides robust support for commercial shipments, capable of handling diverse freight types with specialized services such as dry van, flatbed, and reefer transportation. They cater to last-mile deliveries and support full truckload (FTL) as well as less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Notably, their services come with benefits like dental and health insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit, ensuring a well-rounded support system for their business clientele.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.74
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Miles driven: 5,833,987
M.D. United, Inc.
4260 Westbrook Dr Unit 111, Aurora, IL, 60504- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
M.D. United, Inc. (DOT: 2565724) is a reputable trucking company operating within Illinois, renowned for its extensive services. With a fleet size of 228 and 68 drivers, M.D. United provides comprehensive transportation solutions including dedicated routes, partial truckload, and full truckload services. The company is proficient in handling a diverse array of cargo, such as building materials, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, oilfield equipment, and paper products.
M.D. United emphasizes employee benefits and safety with offerings like dental, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and safety bonuses. Additionally, the company supports commercial shippers through guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and ongoing training and development programs. Their team driving opportunities and commitment to driver comfort, including the allowance of riders or pets, further distinguish them as a top choice for business owners seeking reliable trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 3.65
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 68
- Miles driven: 5,580,975
Interstate Freights, LLC
3380 Lacrosse Ln Suite 115, Naperville, IL, 60564- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Interstate Freights, LLC (DOT: 2429623) is a relatively new player in the Illinois trucking industry, established in 2022. Despite its young age, the company has quickly built a solid reputation with a fleet of 90 trucks and an estimated 130 drivers. They specialize in shipping a wide range of products such as beverages, building materials, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, logs, metal sheets, machinery, and intermodal containers, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
Interstate Freights, LLC offers noteworthy support for commercial shipments, including dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated (reefer) services. Additionally, they provide flexible options like less-than-truckload (LTL) and partial truckload services to accommodate different shipping needs. Business owners will benefit from their comprehensive insurance options and value-added services like direct deposit, paid time off, health and life insurance coverage, and a retirement plan (401k). The company maintains an active interstate operation, highlighting its capability to handle complex logistics across state lines.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 2.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 130
- Revenue: $25,313,000
- Miles driven: 13,900,000
Transcorp National, Inc.
200 Norman Ct, Des Plaines, IL, 60016- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Transcorp National, Inc. (DOT: 2155563) is a reputable trucking company based in Illinois with a fleet of 22 vehicles and 13 drivers. Established with a focus on transportation, they specialize in managing a variety of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated foods.
Transcorp National supports both full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (LTL) shipments, catering to businesses looking for reliable service. They prioritize driver well-being with benefits such as health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off. The company is committed to safety and ongoing driver training and development, providing a significant advantage for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Miles driven: 491,608
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Illinois Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Illinois, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best trucking company:
- Shipment volume and frequency: The total dimensional weight of your shipment can impact the company you choose, since some companies have minimum project size requirements. If your shipping order is on the smaller size, look for a company without any size restrictions that also offers a variety of options, including LTL and partial truckload shipping. Similarly, you’ll want to look for companies that will fit your anticipated ongoing volume. You may also want to consider companies that provide some surge capacity to accommodate unexpected growth.
- Shipping destinations: If possible, try to determine how often you’ll need shipping for what distances. Knowing where in the U.S. you ship to most frequently — or if you need nationwide shipping — will help you select a carrier that provides the regions and haul distances you need.
- Services: Consider looking for a trucking company in Illinois with specialized support for businesses — like logistics and supply chain management and warehousing and distribution — as well as online shipment tracking or other helpful technological tools and resources.
- Safety: While we verify that each trucking company we recommend has a DOT number and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards, you may want to further consider the average fleet age and years of driver experience, ongoing training programs, and other steps a company takes to ensure your shipment will be delivered efficiently and without incident.
FAQs: Illinois Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Illinois?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Illinois. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. One reason for the popularity is affordability — road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method. And a variety of vehicle options — like flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks — makes it easier to move a variety of products.
What products are best transported by truck in Illinois?
The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:
- Building materials
- Food and beverages
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in Illinois?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Illinois and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.
